Rotary insulator



May 20, 1930. A ALSAKER 1,759,149

ROTARY INS ULATOR Filed Sept. 27, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet l May 20, 1930. A. ALSAKER 1,759,149

ROTARY INSULATOR Filed sept. 2v. ,lsazY Patented May 20, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT .OFFICE ALFRED ALSAKER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE DELTA-STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS ROTARY INSULATOB Application led September 27, 1926.

My invention, in general, relates to electrical mechanism, and more particularly to rotary insulators such as those employed in conjunction with the operating of the blades ot switches and the like. More specifically the present invention pertains to rotary switches.

While I shall describe the invention as embodied in an outdoor 'disconnect switch in which the switch blade is mounted on a rotatable insulator, l do not wish to limit the invention to this particular embodiment nor to this particular switch.

A disconnect switch normally is opened only when a piece of apparatus or a line is taken out of service. Hence, it may stand in closed position for relatively long periods of time.

In recent times there has been a rapid increase in transmission voltages and as a result thereof the insulation and striking distance dimensions have been compelled to keep pace therewith. bviously, the greater the length of the insulator and the blade, the greater is the necessity for accuracy in the tit oi' the moving parts. This is particularly true of the bearing for the rotary insulator in a rotary switch, since any play or looseness in such bearing would result in failure of the blade to lreep its alignment with the switch contacts.

Another clement to be taken into consideration in connection with outdoor switches is sleet, i. e., ice frozen upon the switch. It is evident that the larger the switch blade, the greater is the resistance offered to opening oi the blade when covered with sleet. Similarly, the resistance to closing is increased by the length of the blade.

ln order to provide a switch operable in all kinds ot weather and at any time with out fail, various forms of the so-called opening movement7 have been devised. I have illustrated the present invention in a switch having one form of the .so-called A R. T. movement oi my invention. Such movements generally provide a change of direction of movement of the switch blade by a mechanism capable of exerting great force upon the blade to break it loose from the con= Serial No. 137,926.

tact when it is held by sleet or corrosion, or merely the friction of the grip of the stationary contact.

In rotary switches employing the above type of movement, the rotary insulator is put under considerable stress. The bearing will, in operation, tend to become loosened. Attempts have heretofore been made to obviate the above' diiculty by the use of a relatively large close tting bearing. This bearing, however, does not solve the 'problem because corrosion and sleet will freeze such a bearing so tight 'that it cannot be operated or moved.

A plain cylindrical bearing Which has a suiiiciently tight tit to give the desired guiding action to a long blade or the like, of necessity prevents such an extensive capillary area between the cylindrical surfaces of the moving art and itsstationary bearing part, that i moisture or corrosion become lodged in the same the two parts will be so iirmly frozen together that the switch cannot be opened. This, ci course, is fatal to switch operation.-

I have solved the difliculty b the provision of a ball bearing support or the insu-4 lator. A mechanic would not think of put ting a tine piece oi mechanism like a high grade ball bearing out in the exposed condition without operation or attention for long periods oi time, as is the case in an outdoor disconnect switch. l wish to call attention to the fact that l employ the ball bearing not so much in its'capacity to stand high speeds and continuous operation witn low friction as l do to provide a relatively accurately aligned bearing which cannot be frozen or corroded ast. lf the bearing does corrode or lill with sleet, the balls will cut their way through the same. This is because the bearing is substantially free of any capillary recesses in which moisture could be drawn in and frozen or in which corrosion could lock the parts together. The balls which are employed in the bearing have substantially only point Contact with their cooperating sur- Alaces, and furthermore they present a leverage to break away any lm of moisture or corrosion which may freeze 'the parts together. This employment of ball bearings to eliminate freezing due either to ice or corrosion, is fundamentally new in the art.

In the manufacture of my bearing, I do not harden and grind the races for the balls as the service which'is're uired of the bearing is of such a character t at such fine inish would be not only wasted, but would be a detriment. lI purposely leave the races soft and depend upon the balls to finish or fit the surface. Also if any corrosion or freezing does occur, the balls can cut their way through it and, in extreme cases, stretch or strain the metal of the races without crack.- ing the same. e l

In my novel bearing, I attempt to keep out the moisture and corrosive matter as much as possible by providing an cave or watershed over the bearing and by keeping the bearing at all times full of grease. p

In accordance with the preferred form of the present invention, therer is provided a rotary insulator comprising an insulator proper to which suitable blade mechanism is affixed, a revolvable supporting element removably attached tothe insulator unit, a

fixed support concentric with the revolvable support, a plurality of ball-like elements intermediate the two supports, and means for tightly holding the two supports in a contiguous position the said support, in reality constituting a ball bearing unit so to speak. Also, manual means is associated with an end of the revolvable support by means of which the same may be actuated. Then, too, I form the portion of the revolvable support adjacent the insulator in such a manner that an actuating handle or crank may be readily attached thereto if it is desired to actuate the insulator from a position above theaiixed support or transmit motion from it.

Other objects and advantages ofthe pres ent invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment thereof and in which Fig. 1 is a plan view of a rotary type switch embodying the features of my invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of my novel type of rotary insulator in section;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 illustrating the manner in which the manual actuating member is associated with the insulator;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the mounting of the switch blades of the rotary switch illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 5 looking upwardly.

Referring now to the drawings in details in which like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views, reference characters 1 and 2 designate a pair of spaced insulators of any usual construction mounted upon a fixed channel beam support 27. The support 27 is of a U-like shape, as best shownv in Fig. 2 and is grounded in any suitable or desirable manner. Positioned on the support intermediate the spaced insulators 1 and 2 'is a rotary insulator indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. Associated with the insulator 10 is a switch blade unit 11, the mounting of which will be more fully described hereinafter. The ends of the switch blade unit 11 are adapted to cooperate with contacts or terminals 3 and 4 carried by the'insulators 1 and 2, respectively. Carried by the terminal 3 or connected thereto is a lug 7, by means of which an electrical conductor is connected to the terminal. Similarly associated with the terminal 4 is a lug 8 for enabling the connection of an electrical conductor with the terminal 4. The terminal 3 carries an arcing horn 5 adapted to cooperate with an arcing horn 6 carried by one end of the switch blade unit l1. Likewise, the terminal 4 carries an arcing horn 9 adapted to cooperate with an arcing horn 9 carried by the other end of the switch blade unit 11. The switch blade unit 11 is adapted to cooperate with the terminals or contacts 3 and 4 in a manner well known to those skilled with the switch art.

I shall now proceed to describe in detail my novel mounting-for the rotary insulator 10. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, 10 denotes generally an insulator unit which may be made of any suitable or usual insulating material, such, for example, as porcelain having a stem or post and a cap secured thereto as by cementing. The lower end of the stem of insulator unit 10 has a fiat surface 12 adapted to contact the top of a hollow cast metal supporting element or spindle member 13. The spindle member 13 is preferably a hollow casting of malleable iron or bronze at the junction of the head and spindle an annular radial shoulder 14 which constitutes one part of a ball bearing unit hereinafter to be described. Extending through the bore 15 of the tubular element 13 is the shank 16 of a bolt 17, the head of which abuts the lower end of the element proper. The shank 16 is provided with a plurality of threads 17', one Y plurality of apertures 2l in line with the apertures 20. Fitted in each pair of apertures 2O and 21 is a pin 22 to key or pin the parts together. The pin 22 serves to properly align the face 12 of the lower end of the insulator unit 10 with the top of the supporting element 13.

Surrounding the element 13 and substantially concentric therewith is a malleable or bronze barrel with a conical bearing face forming a ball race which is positioned immediately below the annular shoulder 14 ot' the element 13. This element 25 is equipped with a laterally projecting flange 26 adapted to rest on the top of the ixed support 27 which is provided with a substantially central aperture 28 through which the body of the supporting element 25 extends. The annular flange 26 may be fastened to the top of the fixed support 27 by any suitable means, such, for example, as bolts and nuts 30.

Separating the inner wall of the element 25 from the outer wall of a reduced portion 31 of the element 13, is'an annular space 32 which may be packed with grease, oil or other suitable lubricating medium. Threaded into the wall of the element 25 and connected to the space 32 is a grease cup 33, by means of which the lubricating medium may be introduced into the annular space 32. The upper end of the element 25 is provided with a flared annular portion 35 which constitutes a race for the upper ball bearing unit now to vbe described. The ball bearing unit comprises a plurality of steel balls 36 positioned intermediate the annular portion 35 and the annular shoulder 14.. The shoulder 14 and the portion 35 comprises the two races of the ball bearing unit. The ball bearing unit communicates` with the annular grease pocket 32 through an annular clearance 37, through which grease is supplied to the upper ball bearing unit. Both of the races of this ball bearing unit are preferably machined, but present arelatively rough surface to the steel balls 37. l purposely leave the races soit and depend upon the balls to finish or tit the surface. Also if any corrosion or freezing does occur, the balls can cut their way through it and in extreme cases, strain or stretch the metal of the races without cracking the saine.

1 have found by leaving the races soft, that the balls 36 will tend to form a seat or groove in the races when the insulator is revolved so that a smooth running bearing is formed.

l prevent moisture and foreign matter Jfrom getting in the bearing` by forming an annular flange or eave 35 integral with the shoulder 14 where the head 13 joins spindle 15.

The lower end of the element 25 is counterbored at 40 to provide a like annular eave embracing the top of a special bronze nut 41 threaded onto the element 13 at 42. The countersunk portion ci the lower end of the ele` ment 25 is equipped with an annular lared shoulder 44, between which and the top of the bolt 42 are a plurality of steel balls 45. This shoulder 44 and the top of the nut 41 comprise the races of the lower ball bearing unit. Communicating with this unit is an annular clearance 45', through which grease is ted from the annular space 32. Immediately below the special nut 41 I provide a.

sheet metal lock washer 50, and threaded on the element immediately below the lock washer is a lock nut 51.- The sheet metal washer has ears about its periphery which may be bent to engage the faces of the nut 41 and lock nut 51.

The extreme lower end of the element 13 has formed thereon an annular shoulder 60. The portion of the element 13 betweenv the shoulder and the threads 42 is preferably formed octagonal in shape, as indicated at 61 in Fig. 2. Surrounding this octagonal portion 61 is an end of an operating lever 62 equipped with an octagonal aperture for receiving the said octagonal portion 61. The operating lever is disposed intermediate the shoulder 60 and the lowerinost nut 51. This lever 62 comprises a handle portion 63 and a clamp portion 64, removably attached thereto by bolts and nuts 65.

The movement of the lever 62 by a rod as will be hereafter described limits the motion of the spindle and its insulator to an angular motion less than a complete rotation. 1n the present switch the motion of the lever arm 62 is not substantially more than 90 degrees. This may be varied for different types ot switches, but in directly driven switch arms is invariably-not more than halt a complete rotation.

It should also be noted that the tubular element 13 has a portion 37 thereof formed in such a manner as to be able to have a llever or handle 62 clamped thereto in a way similar to that by which the handle is clamped to the portion 61. That is to say, the portion 37, which is located above the water shed 35 and the support 27 is preferably octagonal in cross section. l have illustrated a handle in dotted lines in connection with the octagonal gripping portion 37. Thus it will be apparent that the insulator may be actuated from either above or under the i'ixed support 27.

Now 1 shallproceed to described in detail my novel mounting for the switch blade unit 11. The blade unit 11 (Fig. 5) is equipped with a central enlarged portion which in reality constitutes a housing for the mechanism associated with and connecting the blade unit 11 to the top of the insulator 10. The central member 70 is substantially hollow, as indicated at 71 in Fig. 5, and is equipped with a pair of diametrically opposite shoulders 72 and 73. The central portion 70 is referably cast integral with the 4 designated generally by the reference numeral 75. Mountedupon the element 74 is a movable part 78. This part 78 is pivotally attached to the member or element 74 (Fi 4) by a Vpivot pin 79.

T e' part 78 as best shown in Fig. 7, has an arcuate-shaped portion 8O which extends through the slot 75 in the element 74. Also, as best shown in Fig. 5, the tcp of the part 78 is equipped with an annular depression 81 which is adapted to accommodate the head of a bolt 82. The bolt 82 extends clear through the member or part 78 and is adapted to fasten the part 78 to the top 85 of the insulator l0. The lower portion of the part 78 or the arcuate portion 80, hassecured thereto a pair of dowel pins 86 and 87 which also extend into the top 85 of the insulator (Fig. 5). These dowel pins 86 and 87 serve to prevent movement between the part 78 and the insulator 10. That is to say, the parts 78 and the insulator l0 must turn to. gether in the operation of my novel rotary switch. s

The top of the part 78 is equipped with a pair of spaced lugs extending upwardly therefrom. I have indicated these lugs by the reference numerals 90 and 91. Also, the top of the parts 78 is equipped with an upwardly extending rojection 92 associated withthe pivot pin (9. The top of the part 78 is equipped with a cut-away portion 93 formp eo ing shoulders 94 and 95 adapted to cooperate with a pin 96 secured to the member 74. The shoulders 95 and 94 serve to limit the movement of the movable parts 78 about its pivot 79. Positioned on top of the part 78 is a spring or resilient element 98, one end of which is adapted to co-operate with one of the lugs 9() or 91 and the other end of which being adapted to cooperate with the pin 96. The portion 99 `of the spring intermediate its ends is adapted to abut a fiat portion 100 on the project-ion 92, which projection serves to limit the outward displacement of the spring when it is compressed.

The operation of the mechanism associated with the member of the switch blade units 11 is brieliy as follows z-Upon a rotary motion being imparted to the insulator 10 in a manner well known tol those familiar with the rotary switch art, force-will be applied to the switch blade units 11 through the part 78 which is integral with the top of the insulator 10. The part 78 in turn transmits a force through the spring or resilient element 98 and the pin 96 to the member 74, which member being secured to the switch blade unit 11 will cause force to be applied thereto. Should the free ends'of the switch blade units ll be relatively loose within their contact terminals 3 and 4, the switch blade units 11 will naturally revolve with the insulator unit 10, as the said insulator unit is actuated. On the other hand, should the free ends of the switch blade unit 11 be frozen to their respectively contact terminals 3 and 4 carried by the insulators 1 and 2, the initial force applied to the switch blade units l1 will not result in the immediate rotation of the unit.

Referring now to Fig. 4, it will be noted that a portion of the part 78 is adapted to reciprocate within the slot as was previously mentioned. As long as the grip between the switch terminals and the ends of the switch blade unit 1l is greater than the force necessary to compress the spring 98the initial turning force applied to the part 78 will result in the movement of the part in the slot 75 and the compression of the spring 98. Upon the force being stored up in the compressed spring 98 being strong enough to sever the connection between the ends of the switch blade unit ll and the terminal, the spring 98 will expand, moving forwardly with it the pin 96 which is integral with the part 74.r Since the part 74 is carried by the switch blade unit 11, the entire unit will move outwardly in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the lug 91 will serve to draw one end of the spring 98 toward the end of the spring associated with the pin 96. lVhen the energy in the spring is great enough to sever the connection between the ends of the switch blade unit and the terminals, the pin on the part 74 will be forced forwardly by the end of the spring associated therewith until it comes into contact with the shoulder 94. During the aforesaid longitudinal movement of the part74, the portion of the part 78 extending in the slot 75 will return to its former position.` Thereafter, the force applied to the switch blade unit ll by the rotary insulator 10 will cause the rotation of the switch blade unit.

The previously described movement of first moving the switch blade longitudinally and then causing it to rotate, is what I term an A. R. T. movement. This movement is an ideal one for freeing the ends of the switch blade from the terminals associated therewith should a frozen orcorrosive condition exist at the terminals. I desire it understood any frozen condition that may exist. This is highly advantageous since, should the blade be frozen in place in the terminal, the effective point of the turning force applied thereto will be at the actual point o application rather than through the leverage arm of the blade between the terminal and the place the force is applied. Thus it will be seen that a switch become frozen, the very advantage of moving the blade longitudinally to break the ice or rust, will be frustrated, since it would in that even preclude the operation of the switch at all.

Therefore, I have invented and designed a novel non-freezing bearing or mounting for thc insulator particularly adapted for use in conjunction with my novel switch whereby any frozen condition that may exist at the mounting or bearing of the insulator ma be very easily broken and overcome. ncidentally, my non-freezing mounting for the rotary insulator 10 is o anti-friction construction, thereby enabling the insulator to be turned with much less effort than has been possible heretofore.

In order to operate or revolve the rotary insulator 10, the lever 62 must first be attached to the octagonal portion 61 of the supporting or bearing element 13. Three switches of this type for the three phases of a transmission line are' generally gang operated. The control insulators 10are preferably connected together by a cross-bar connected pivotally to arms such as shown 1n dotted lines in Fig. 2. Then by operating mechanism such as a vertical rotary pipe or a horizontal rod connected to lever 62, the gang may be operated together. I contemplate the provision of operating means either above or below the channel support 27 for revolving the insulators 10. Since both levers are constructed and function in the same manner, it is believed that a description of one suiices for both.

Now, inasmuch as the lever 62 is integral l with the element 13, and hence the insulator 10, by moving the lever 62 angularly, the unit 10 may be revolved actuating the switch blade mechanism 11. Although the Isteel balls 36 and 45 do offer some resistance to the free movement of the element 13, nevertheless, it is much easier to turn the insulator 10 after a long period of time has elapsed since its last operation than has been heretofore f possibler The Steel balls 36 and. l5 tend. to

bite' into their unfinished, or rather, comparatively soft races when the element 13 is revolved.. Also, the lubricating medium in the annular space 32 tends to at all times fill the bearings with a suitable amount of lubrication, thus facilitating their operation.

Now, whenever the races of the bearing unit become Worn, the nutsv 41 and 51 may -be tu'rn a sli ht amount, thus moving the element- 3 bodily down and bringing the balls 36 and 45 into tighter engagement with their respective races.

Another decided advantage of my rotary insulator is the facility with which it may be disassembled for repairs or the replacement of parts. By removing the bolt 17 the insulator 10 may be completely se arated from the element 13. Then by taklng the lever 62 oil the octagonal portion 61 and removing the bolts 41 and 51, the balls 36 and 45 may be removed and the two bearing elements 13 and maybe separated. The bearing element 25 is readily detachable from the fixed support 27 by removing the bolts and nuts 30.

Another advantage of m invention is the novel way in which the lu ricating medium is fed to the respective ball bearing units.

This insures a nicety of action on the part ade nate lubrication therefor and making it muc easier to revolve the insulator unit 10.

From the foregoing description it is believed to be evident that it is practically impossible for the parts of my mechanism to become frozen or rusted, so to speak. Then, too, not only is my rotary insulator very easy to operate, but it is of such a simple, compact and inexpensive construction as to make its use in electrical work very practical.

I desire it understood that although I have disclosed and described a preferred form of my invention, that the invention is vnotto be limited thereby, but only in so far as delined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim 1. A non-freezing bearing adapted to stand exposed to the weathercomprislng a hollow splndle having an enlarged integral head rtion at one end, an integral ball race ad- ]acent the junction of said head and s indle, an overhanging divergent eave for t e ball race, a barrel having an integral cooperating ball race disposed under said eave and balls 1n said races.

2. A non-freezing bearing for outdoor service comprising a hollow spindle having an enlarged head portion at one end, a ball face adjacent. @he inno-aon @f aid. had. au

spindle an overhanging eave'for `the ball race, a barrel having a cooperating ball ra'ce disposed under said eave, balls in said races, said head having a polygonal formation to provide an attachment for a split clamp, and a ian e above said polygonal portion to prevent isplacement of the split clamp.

3. A bearing for outdoor service comprising a hollow spindle having an enlarged integral head for mounting an insulator and having an integral ball race formed adjacent the junction of the head and spindle, an eave integral with the enlarged head overhan ing the ball race, a barrelmember embracing the spindle, said barrel member having a laterally extending mounting flange for supporting the same and having an integral ball race at its upper end disposed under the eave, and balls 1n said races.

4. In a bearing for outdoor service, the combination of a tubular barrel member having conical races at its upper and its lower ends, an eave overhanging the racc at the lower end, a hollow spindle disposed within the barrel member and having radial and circular surfaces forming cooperating ball races for supporting the axial and radial loads on the spindle, balls in said races, an enlarged head for the upper end of the spindle, an overhanging eave extending out over the upper end of the barrel member, a flange at the upper end of the head, and a polygonal portion formed on the head between the iiange and the eave to provide a support for a split clamp.

5. In combination, an integral barrel member havingr a conical race at its upper and its lower end, said barrel member having an eave overhanging the lower race, a hollow spindle embraced by the barrel member, said spindle having radial land circumferential bearing surfaces providing races cooperating with the races of the barrel member, balls in said races, said spindle having an enlarged head portion, an integral eave extending from the head portion over the upper ball v race, and non-circular seats on the head member and on the spindle member below the lower ball race for the attachment of split clam members in predetermined angular positions.

6. In combination, a barrel member having a supporting transverse flange, integral conical ball races at the upper and lower ends of the barrel member, a hollow spindle projecting-through the barrel member and having a head at its upper end provided with a noni circular seat for a split clamp, ball races on the spindle cooperating with the ball races on the barrel member, and balls in said races, said spindle having at its lower end a seat for a split'clamping member, the seats on the upper and lower ends of the spindle having shoulders for preventing axial displacement of the split clamping members, said seats permitting the clamping members to be ap plied in predetermined angular positions.

7. In combination, a barrel member having a supporting transverse flange, integral conical ball races at the upper and lower ends of the barrel member, a hollow spindle projectinr through the barrel member and having ahead at its upper end provided with a polygonal seat for a split clamp, ball races on the spindle cooperating with the ball races on the barrel member, and balls in said races, said spindle having at its lower end a polygonal seat for a split clamping member, the

seats on the upper and lower ends of the* spindle having shoulders for preventing axial displacement of the split clamping members, and eaves on the spindle and barrel member for the upper and lower races, respectively.

8. A bearing for a rotary insulator comprising a hollow cast metal spindle having an enlarged head for mounting an insulator and having an integral ball race formed adjacent the juncture of the head and spindle, an eave overhanging the ball race, a cast metal barrel member embracing the spindle, said barrel member having a laterally extending mounting ilange and having an integral ball race at its upper end disposed under said eave, said barrel member having a race at its lower end and an eave overhanging said latter race, a bearing nut on the lower end of the spindle, means for locking said nut to the lower end of the spindle and balls in said races.

9. A bearing for a rotary insulator comprising a hollow cast metal spindle having an integral enlarged head portion at its upper end, means passing through the hollow spindle for mounting an insulator post upon said head, shear pins between said head and post, an integral annular race adjacent the junction of the head and spindle, an overhanging eave for the ball race and a barrel member having integral cooperating ball race disposed under said eave and balls in said races.

10. A non-freezing bearing for voutdoor switch gear comprising a cast metal mounting barrel having integral ball races, a spindle therein having cooperating ball races, balls in said races, eaves to exclude moisture from the s ace between said parts, said barrel and spind e having contact only through said balls, said spindle and bearing being substantially free of close fitting cylindrical surfaces which could be frozen or corroded together.

11. A non-freezing bearing comprising a cast metal mounting barrel having integral ball races, a spindle therein having cooperatingball races, balls in said races, eaves to exclude moisture from the space between said parts, said barrel and spindle having contact only through said balls, said spindle and bearing being substantially free of close fitting 12. In combinatlon, a channel bar havingan aperture through its web, a cast metal barrel member mounted in said a erture and having an integral clamping ange lying against the'web of the channel, a cast metal spindle provided with an integral ball raceV at each end and having a lshort divergent iangev forming an eave overhanging the upper ball race, said barrel having integral cooperating ball races and having an eave overhanging the lower ball race and balls in said races.

13. In a non-freezing bearing for rotar insulators and the like, a hollow spindle avking an integral head provided with a vshort divergent cave, a ball race formed directly on the spindle under said eave, a barrel having a ball race formed directly thereupon at its upper end balls between said races, said head having a flat top, a driven member having a flat surface cooperating with said flat top, keys set into said surfaces, and a bolt passingI through said hollow spindle and secured to tegral ball races, said shell and spindle between said races being spaced apart to provide a relatively large recess between them, said races being' formed of unhardened metal, hardened balls between said races, and means to exclude moisture from between said shell and spindle.

16.- A vertical non-freezing bearing comprising a relatively short open ended hollow shell having integral conical ball races formed thereon at its upper and lower ends, a cast metal spindle having an enlarged head with a liat clamping surface at the top and a divergent eave portion, an integral ball race under said eave portion on the spindle cooperating with the ball race on the upper end of the shell, an adjustable4 race nut for the lower end of the spindle cooperating with the race at the lower end of the shell, and balls in said races.

17. A vertical non-freezing bearing comprising a hollowshell of cas metal having integral ball races formed thereon at vits upper and lower ends, and having an overhanging eave about said lower race, a cast metal spindle having an enlarged head with a flat clamping surface at the top and a divergent cooperating with the ball race at the upper end of the shell, an adjustable race nut for the lower end of the spindle cooperating with the raceI at the lower end ofv the shell, and balls in said races.

18. In combination, a channel bar having a hole through the web thereof, a bearing shell Set in said hole and having a clamping flange secured fiat against the web of the channel, a spindle in said bearing shell, races onv the shell and spindle, balls in said races, said spindle having an enlarged head provided with an oxmrhanging divergent .eave portion, said head having at its upper end a flat clamping face, and a rocking arm connected to the spindle for moving the same through a limited angular rocking motion.

f 19. In combination, a bearing shell, a spini dle therein, ball races on the shell and spindle having balls therein, a lever arm having a split clamp with a non-circular inside surface, and the spindle having a non-circular external surface gripped by said split clamp.

20. In combination, a bearing shell having a laterally extending mounting flange and having races at its upper and lower ends, a spindle having an enlarged head at its upper end extending through the shell, said spindle having an overhanging eave at its upper end, ball races on the shell and spindle protected by said overhanging eave, balls in said races, said spindle having a polygonal portion lying outside of the shell, and a rocking lever having a polygonal split clamp for rlnbracing said polygonal portion of the spine. 2l. In combination, a bearing shell having a laterally extending mounting ange, races at the upper and lower ends of the shell, a bearing spindle having cooperating races, an enlarged head at the upper end having an eave overhanging said races, balls in said races, said head having a driven member connected thereto limited to angular motion less than a complete rotation, and a rocking arm connected to the spindle.

22. In a device of the class described adapted to be exposed to the weather and being infrequently operated while in service, a substantially vertical open-ended stationary cylindrical shell having ball races, a roclringspindle member extending through said shell, and having cooperating ball races, balls for said races, a short divergent eave on the spindle above the races shielding the space between races, said shell and spindle being substantially free of close approach toeachother except at said ball -races to avoid freezing or corroding of said parts together, and means to limit said spindle to a rocking motion of less than a complete revolution.

23. In a device of the class described adapted tobe exposed to'the weather and being infrequently operated when in service, a substantially vertical open-ended stationary cylindrical shell having ball races, a rocking spindle lnember extendin T through said shell, and having cooperating Iiall races, balls for' said races, a short divergent eave on the spindle above the races shielding the space between races, said shell and spindle being substantially free of close-approach to each other except at said ball races to avoid freezing or corrodiug of said parts together, and a closed grease inlet for filling the space between the shell and spindle with a lubricant which will exclude air and moisture, and means to limit said spindle to a rocking motion of less than a complete revolution.

24. A non-freezing bearing for outdoor. switch gear, the combination of a hollovs7 cast metal spindle having an enlarged head with an upper flat end forming an attaching face, an integral annular downwardlydivergent flange forming an eave, said spindle having an integral machined peripheral ball race under the eave, said ball race having radial and axial bearing surfaces, said spindle having an integral lower cylindrical ball race, a cast metal bearing shell havin a hollow barrel with oppositely inclined conical ball races integral therewith and registering with the ball races on the spindle, a race nut threaded on the lower end of the spindle, a lock nut therefor, one end of the spindle outside the bearings being formed polygonal in shape for the attachment of a split clamp lever in various angular positions, said end of the spindle having an integrally formed flange for preventing endwise escape of a member clamped upon the polygonal portion, the barrel of the shell having an integral radially extending clamping flange for mounting the barrel intermediate its ends.

A non-freezing bearing for outdoor service comprising a cast metal spindle, a cast metal shell, said spindle and shell being formed of relatively soft metal and having cooperating integral races, hard metal balls between said races, the spindle and shell being relieved outside of the races to provideclearance, apacking of grease within the shell, and a lever for slowly moving said spindle and shell relative to each other through an annular motion of less than ya complete revolution.

26. A non-freezing ball bearing subjectto corrosion, having soft metal spindle and barrel members with integral races, hard metal balls of relatively small diameter in said races, a lever connected to the spindle member and operating means connected to the lever and limiting the movement thereof to less than a complete rotation of the spindle.

27. A non-freezing ball bearing subject to periods of inaction and subject to corrosion by exposure to the weather, comprising spinspindle and barrel members having integral machined races with hardenedy steel balls in ythe races, and a packing of grease between the members to exclude moisture.

29. A bearing for outdoor switch gear, comprising a hollow cast metal spindle having an enlarged head, said head having a flat end face, a cooperating driven member seated against said flat end face, a bolt passing through the hollow7 spindle endwise and connecting the spindle and the driven member, said spindle having an integral ball race adjacent the junction of the head and the shank of the spindle and having an integral flange overhanging the race, a barrel member having conical upper and lower races formed directly thereupon, and hardened balls in said races.

30. In combination, a hollow cast metal spindle having an integral enlarged head portion at its upper end, said head being flat on the top, an insulator post Hat on the bottom seated directly upon said head, dowel pins between said post and head, a bolt passing through the hollow spindle and secured to the bottom of the post, said spindle having an integral race at the junction of the head and the shank of the spindle, said race having a radial load surface and an axial load surface, a barrel having an integral conical race cooperating with the aforesaid race and balls being between said races.

31. In combination, a hollow cast metal spindle having an integral enarged head portion at its upper end, said head being at on the top. an insulator post flat on the bottom seated directly upon said head, dowel pins between said post and head, a bolt passing through the hollow spindle and secured to the bottom of the post, said spindle havingv an integral race at the junction of the head and the shank of the spindle, said race having a radial load surface and an axial load surface, a barrel having an integral conicalraee cooperating with the aforesaid race, the lower end of the' spindle having an integral race with a radial loa-d surface, a ring on the spindle providing an adjustable axial load surface, the lower end of the barrel having an integral conical race cooperating with the race on the lower end of the spindle.

32. In combination, a hollow cast metal spindle having an integral enlarged head portion at its upper end, said head being lat on the top, an insulator post Hat on the bottom seated directly upon said head, dowel pins between said post and head, a bolt passing through the hollow spindle and secured to the bottom of the post, said spindle having an integral race at the junction of the head and the shank of the spindle, said race having a radial load surface and an axial load surface, a barrel having an integral conical race, the barrel having an intermediate clamping flange, the spindle having polygonal clamping' portions at each end, and levers provided with polygonal split clamps for attaching them to the spindle above and below the bearing at predetermined angular positions. Y

33. In outdoor switch gear, a rocking bearing comprising a spindle, a shell of relatively soft metal having yielding metal races, hardened steel balls in said races supporting said spindle, and an operating crank for the spindle limited to angular motion less than a complete rotation, said races being subject to corrosion and the balls being adapted to cut their way through the corrosion even to the extent of causing yielding of the races.

34. In an outdoor gear, a bearing comprising a spindle member, a shell member, said members having integral ball races, one of said races being formed of relatively soft metal, hardened metal balls between said races, said races being subject to corrosion and the balls being adapted to force their way through the corrosion to the extent of causing permanent deformation of the metal of the soft metal race.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 23rd da of Se tember, 1926.

s AL RED LSAKER. 

